Roma shields Dybala and Molina, halting travel to Leo Messi's last duel
On the European night of October 6 to 7, the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires will host the friendly between Argentina and Benin, Lionel Messi’s last match with the Albiceleste national team. Roma announced that Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not travel to the South American country to take part in the event.
Sporting and logistical reasons
The Italian club explained that the decision is due to the intense Serie A and Champions League schedule, which leaves little room for a multi‑day intercontinental trip. According to the official statement, the journey could add unnecessary stress to the players, who would have to face a very long round‑trip in a few days.
Roma emphasized the “utmost respect” it has for Lionel Messi and his extraordinary career, wishing him a special evening together with the Argentine Federation. The statement also acknowledged the value of the event for Dybala and Molina, linked to the Flea and key players alongside him in the 2022 World Cup triumph.
Context of the farewell match
The friendly, announced as Messi’s last tango with the Albiceleste, takes place after coach Lionel Scaloni’s call‑up, which also includes matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. In addition to the official players, the guest list for the farewell included Dybala and Molina, both from Roma.
Tickets for the match are already sold out, and the celebration is expected both in the stands and on the pitch, where fellow countrymen will share moments with the Flea. The game will mark the end of the Messi era in the national team, whose nickname “The Flea” will echo throughout the stadium.
Roma’s statement reiterated that the decision was made for “sporting and logistical” reasons, emphasizing the proximity of the club’s official commitments. The giallorossa entity thanked the fans for their understanding and reiterated its wish for the spectacle to be memorable for Messi and the national team.
With Dybala and Molina absent, Roma keeps its focus on the upcoming European commitments, while the Albiceleste prepares to bid farewell to its captain in a historic setting. Expectations remain high, although the Flea will only have his national teammates at the Monumental.